INTRODUCTORY CHINESE: LANGUAGE AND CULTURE (CUL-221244)

This course introduces students to the Chinese language (Mandarin) so that they can develop proficiency on a basic level. Language learning in this course will focus on elementary communication skills, basic vocabulary and grammatical structures. All language skills will be practiced: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will be required to practice weekly speaking and listening skills in real time over the Internet with the instructor and the teaching assistant. Students should be available for 30 minutes for oral practices scheduled between 7:30-9:00 PM EST at least once a week. Special accommodations will be made for army students. This course also introduces students to traditional Chinese beliefs and contemporary culture. Students will learn about China and its regions through a wide variety of resources: online resources, texts, videos, blogs and Podcast. Students will also investigate specific topics related to cultural themes (e.g., Chinese cuisine, horoscopes, garden and tea cultures,family and business relationships as well as customs of ethnic minorities such as Tibetan and Xinjiang Muslims).

Note: This course incorporates web conferencing using Blackboard Collaborate. Students taking this course must have access to a computer that meets the minimum technological requirements which are described in the information for setting up Blackboard Collaborate. Before enrolling, students should know how to successfully use or have tested the web conferencing service on their computer. Students are encouraged to participate in ESC’s Blackboard Collaborate Student Training.

This course fully meets the General Education requirement in Foreign Language.